The Bernal Hill Players is a gleefully eclectic chamber music ensemble that plays classical and contemporary chamber music from around the world, as well as newly commissioned pieces by Californian and Mexican composers. The core ensemble is a trio with flutist and singer Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, clarinetist Rachel Condry, and pianist and arranger Jennifer Peringer. This concert also includes special guest cellist Jill Brindel.

The “Listening Quilt” program celebrates a culturally diverse harvest of women’s creative work. All the pieces are written in a classical contemporary chamber music idiom, but are also infused with the local flavors of their places of origin, including Harlem Renaissance jazz, West Coast experimentalism, bluegrass and cowboy music, Argentinian tango, Cuban son, and Mexican Danzón.

Named one of NPR’s “Favorite New Artists of 2011,” American tenor Nicholas Phan is increasingly recognized as an artist of distinction. Praised for his keen intelligence, captivating stage presence and natural musicianship, he performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. Also an avid recitalist, in 2010 he co-founded the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago (CAIC) to promote art song and vocal chamber music.

The Alexander String Quartet has secured its standing among the world’s premier ensembles. Admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet has is also an important advocate of new music through over 25 commissions and numerous premiere performances. The Alexander String Quartet has served since 1989 as Ensemble in Residence for SF Performances and Directors of the Morrison Chamber Music Center at SF State University.

CMC thanks San Francisco Performances for bringing these world-class artists to our stage for a free community concert.

Come dance, listen, hang out and experience smoking Cuban charanga music at Community Music Center – it’s free! CMC’s own Cuban Salsa Ensemble will be performing as part of the Mission Arts Performance Project (MAPP). There will be two sets of swinging Cubandance music, from Danzón to Timba, with additional program details TBA.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month, CMC and Tango dance faculty member Sonja Riket host a monthly Milonga (Argentine Tango social dance gathering) with a drop-in class and dancing to Tango music from the Golden Era and beyond. This Milonga series will include live music and dance performances by local and international Tango guests.

Enjoy dancing in the beautiful Victorian concert hall with smooth wooden floor and outdoor patio! Come to listen and watch or join in the dance. All ages are welcome!

TheMontclair Women’s Big Band is a Bay Area treasure. Founded in 1997 by veteran trumpeter Ellen Seeling and saxophonist Jean Fineberg, the group is an alliance of some of the region’s most formidable jazz women.

CMC proudly presents the 15th Annual Keyboard Marathon Concert on Sunday April 22 at 3pm in the Concert Hall of the Community Music Center. The Keyboard Marathon showcases the piano and harpsichord faculty of the Community Music Center from the Richmond and Mission District Branches as well as several invited guest performers. Performers select a piece based on the theme for each year; this year our theme is Joy and Sorrow. Come join us and hear how the keyboard faculty choose to represent these feelings through music.

This wonderful afternoon of music will appeal to students and community members interested in exquisite and compelling piano music. Following the concert there will be a reception in the courtyard with an opportunity to talk with the performers and learn more about the Community Music Center.

Tuition assistance and scholarships for CMC piano students are generously supported by The Ross McKee Foundation.

Community Music Center’s Yamaha CFX concert grand has been donated by the estate of Donald Oestreicher and by Piedmont Piano Company, with additional gifts from Denny Abrams, Robert Dell, Lawrence Dillon, and Larry Russo.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month, CMC and Tango dance faculty member Sonja Riket host a monthly Milonga (Argentine Tango social dance gathering) with a drop-in class and dancing to Tango music from the Golden Era and beyond. This Milonga series will include live music and dance performances by local and international Tango guests.

Enjoy dancing in the beautiful Victorian concert hall with smooth wooden floor and outdoor patio! Come to listen and watch or join in the dance. All ages are welcome!

Come dance, listen, hang out and experience smoking Cuban charanga music at Community Music Center – it’s free! CMC’s own Cuban Charanga Ensemble will be performing as part of the Mission Arts Performance Project (MAPP). There will be two sets of swinging Cubandance music, from Danzón to Timba, with additional program details TBA.